Bryant, Lakers nominated for international award

The Laureus World Sports Awards recognize sporting achievements worldwide and winners are judged by what the organization calls "the ultimate sports jury" -- that being 46 top international athletes of all time.

And that panel of judges has nominated Kobe Bryant and the Lakers for awards that will be presented in a televised awards ceremony Feb. 7.

Bryant is competing against other star athletes, such as Rafael Nadal and Manny Pacquiao.

The 2010 NBA champion Lakers are up against Spain's World Cup Team, the European Ryder Cup Team, Champions League winners Inter Milan, the Red Bull Formula One Team and the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team.

Don't expect Bryant or the Lakers to show up and accept their award, if they win. The ceremony is being held in Abu Dhabi next month and the Lakers are scheduled to be in Memphis that day.

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